Highly modified/customized Chevrolet Vega. I bought a brand new 1971 Vega Hatchback with three speed, an AM radio, and silver chrome rings for $ 2,389, about the same price of my 1966 Mustang 6 five years earlier. Other than the price there was no comparison between the two. In 1971, the Vega was introduced along with the Ford Pinto as sort of a "second generation" of small cars by American Manufacturers, including AMC's Gremlin. These cars were short-lived and bore the brunt of negative press and criticism. The Pinto received bad publicity because of the vulnerable position of its gas tank at the rear that was prone to catch on fire resulting from rear-end collision impact. The Vega had an 2300cc aluminum block with overhead cam. The aluminum block was known to worp due to engine heat. Vega's body was a favorite of the Eastern Modified Stock Car Circuit for a time, as was the Pinto and Gremlin. Vega bodies are occasionally seen at the drag strips. Vegas also had a performance Cosworth model. It very unusual to see a stock Vega on the road or at car shows these days.
